Oyo State needs continuity

SIR: “Ibadan and Oyo State got their names from Wild, Wild, West of the First Republic and that violence continued until recently. I want to commend the governor for ensuring that there is peace in this land and for the development that he has brought to the state. If Oyo State people are appreciative like our people, they will automatically give you a second term”.

The above was the comment of leading industrialist and elder statesman, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, about the development in Ibadan at the instance of the present administration in Oyo State, during his recent visit to Oyo State to attend the birthday service organized for him at the University of Ibadan.

The commendation from the Esama of Benin who is not known for sycophancy shows that the state governor, Senator Isiaka Ajimobi has impacted Oyo State and it will not be misdirected if one adds fillip to Igbinedion’s call for continuity in Oyo State.

Obviously, this will not be an easy task because Ajimobi is not in the good book of some people in the state due to his comportment. Arguably, he his cultured, corporate, formal and elitist. The fact is that, over the years, culture of impunity reigned supreme in the state. Streets and roadside trading, building on the river channels, dumping of refuse in the streams, drainages and on the road sides, culture of violence among the drivers union were notable features. Ajimobi came and put a full stop to all the above. Definitely, his actions have to draw some people’s ire.

Going down memory lane, Ibadan, the capital was a heap of refuse before Ajimobi’s coming. In actual fact, it was ridiculed as the dirtiest city in Africa, south of Sahara. That has become something of the past. Also, culture of violence amongst the factions of drivers’ union which led to destruction of lives and property, and which defied all solution has been nipped in the bud by Ajimobi.

Not only that, insecurity in all nooks and crannies of the state, violent armed robbery incidents which were carried out with impunity and led to loss of lives and closure of banks on many occasions have been arrested. Oyo people could now sleep with their two eye firmly closed. Kudos for this goes to Ajimobi for establishing crime bustling security outfit, Operation Burst.

In addition, is the urban renewal programme which has led to the building of Mokola flyover, the first in 35 years. Fruits of urban renewal policy include road expansion in major cities in the state. The one under construction in Ogbomoso is unprecedented and has given the city a new face.

As 2015 elections approach, politicians have started awareness campaign and many have been jostling to challenge the incumbent governor. Obviously, very few of the aspirants are worthy of the task, and the few have been tested and their ability known. Others are parvenu and out to make names for themselves; they are not equal to the task. In other not to throw spanner into the good works of the present administration in the state, Oyo people are implored to heed the Esama calls for continuity beyond 2015.